The Best Companions Are Books Alone 2011
Marilyn MacGregor, USA

     

In tribute to the poetry of Al Mutanabbi and the people of Iraq My book pays tribute to people and a country I've never seen, except, in recent times, through news reports and images that are too often violent and disturbing. As an art historian, I am well aware of Iraq's rich artistic and intellectual heritage of long-standing significance, and I know that these troubled times must be unbearably painful for many Iraqis. It is for them I especially dedicate this book. 'The Best Companions' is not focused on war, though it is impossible not to have that idea hovering nearby. I purposely chose images from daily life - a sketch of Al-Mutanabbi Street before the blast, a mosque, women on the street, men in a cafe - and an American soldier - because that has also been, for too long, part of daily life there. The final image is from a 12th century illustration of a Court where Al-Mutanabbi might have served as poet. I was struck by the image of tragic, beautiful Arabic text and illustration showering down, turned to confetti by the 2007 bomb, so I've made that important. The cover text and text across the images are English translations of Al-Mutanabbi poems, and the title is a quote. His beautiful language is chillingly prescient about harm and violence; he also lived in a dangerous, precarious time. The accordion folded sheets are intended to open much like a shop lifting its awning. My original drawings were larger, but I reduced the size when I printed them in order to make a small (4 5/8” x 3” x 11”) but meaningful object that can be hidden quickly and kept safe.

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